Players to watch in Texans-Jaguars matchup

In his four starts, he has thrown eight touchdown passes and one interception. He has only one second-half touchdown pass to his credit. He does a terrific job of throwing after he’s forced from the pocket.

Whitney Mercilus, outside linebacker

The outside linebacker on the weak side must provide consistent pressure on the quarterback, and he hasn’t done it. After getting six sacks off the bench as a rookie, he has only 41/2, including 21/2 against Seattle in September.

Jaguars players to watch

Chad Henne, quarterback

He embarrassed the Texans last season at Reliant, where he completed 16-of-33 for 354 yards and four TDs before the Jags lost 43-37 in overtime. He has only four TD passes, but the Texans know what he’s capable of doing.

Jason Babin, defensive end

The former Texans first-round pick is playing in his 10th season, and he leads the Jaguars with three sacks. They have only 15 sacks total. Babin likes to work in space where he can use his quickness and moves to beat linemen.